At stake in this election:

Description of government structure:

Assembly: Madagascar has a unicameral National Assembly with 150 seats.

Description of electoral system:

The President is elected by popular vote to serve a 5-year term.

In the National Assembly 150 members are elected by direct popular vote to serve 4-year terms.

Main Candidates in the Presidential race:

Didier RATSIRAKA

Party: Vanguard of the Malagasy Revolution

Marc RAVALOMANANA

Party: Independent Candidate

Albert ZAFY

Party: Action, Truth, Development, and Harmony (AFFA)

Herzio RAZAFIMAHALEO

Party: Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for National Recovery

Patrick RAJAONARY

Party: Independent Candidate

Daniel RAJAKOBA

Party: Independent Candidate

Note: Originally, the election results indicated that Marc RAVALOMANANA had recevied a plurality but not a majority of votes, which would have led to a second round runoff against Didier RATSIRAKA. The second round was delayed twice and then cancelled. Amid growing instability, the two candidates agreed to a recount of votes. On 22 April 2002, the High Constitutional Court released the results of the recount, with RAVALOMANANA receiving a majority of votes and becoming president-elect.

Last Presidential election:

Presidential election last held: December 29, 1996. Didier RATSIRAKA won 50.7% of the vote in a runoff, thereby defeating Albert ZAFY who received 49.3% of the vote.

Population and number of registered voters:

Population: 16,235,767 (2001)

Registered Voters: 6,367,610 (2001)

Gender Data:

· Female Population: 8,152,417 (2001)

· Is Madagascar a signatory to CEDAW: Yes (17 July 1980)

· Has Madagascar ratified CEDAW: Yes (17 March 1989)

· Gender Quota: No

· Female candidates in this election: Yes

· Number of Female Parliamentarians: 12 (following the 1998 elections)